I do want to send first my heartfelt apologies for being a bit of a "slacker" as of late with writing for the blog (and book #2). Though details will not be shared, I can say that I have been graced with a lot of new material for both, so stay tuned, for writing has not been forgotten! As such, I know how you all enjoy reading the writing by my good friend Gina, so here I give you her latest posting and her first vlog testimony. May you be blessed by her words! 

Freedom

There is a vast difference between the freedom the world offers you & the freedom Christ offers when we submit to Him. The world’s freedom sounds enticing, thrilling…even comfortable. It gives the permission to do as you please without the afterthought of heaven. It doesn’t pause to weigh the consequence of the moment. The freedom the world offers is temporary bliss. Jesus extends to us a different type of freedom. The freedom from sin…the freedom from guilt…the freedom from death. Nothing else compares. The two choices of freedom have two completely different sources. One is the Lover of your soul & one is the enemy of your soul. The enemy disguises himself as the good guy, promising his way will be more enjoyable and pleasurable. This is deception at it’s finest. Jesus is clear in His message to us, with no deception & no ulterior motives. He promises Paradise…spiritual riches…His presence…but we must surrender ourselves. He is clear that while we are here, we will join in His suffering. He’s doesn’t try to sugarcoat it. But satan will lie through his teeth to make you believe that there is no life after death, that there is no punishment for living as you please. His goal is to keep you blind and in your sin. Who will you surrender to?


Awakened

The Holy Spirit led me to share what was on my heart and what He has done in my life. Hope it blesses and encourages you!

“The battlefield is in the mind”, commonly heard quoted from Charles Stanley and Joyce Meyer.

It has come to my realization that there are only two main categories of people, but then we all get jumbled back together again. What are those two main categories? That would be those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their personal savior and those who haven’t. Sure when one turns their life over to Christ things about them change (or should), but likewise aren’t there nonbelievers who are kind, compassionate, extremely thoughtful of others and seek to do good? Sure. For as it is noted in Romans “For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God” and though you may try to be perfect in your daily thoughts and actions, at sometime you will fall again. However, the act of imperfection is not that the topic at hand; it is rather the mental trick that is used against us when we fall that is.  

What would that trick be? I am reminded of the phrase that Luna Lovegood spoke to Harry Potter about Voldemort in The Order of The Phoenix , “Well if I were You-Know-Who, I'd want you to feel cut off from everyone else. Because if it's just you alone you're not as much of a threat.”

Simple stated it is that nagging notion that when we think, do or feel something “bad”/imperfect that we are an isolated – weird failure, that no one will understand, and henceforth are alone in this life.

#1 As children of God, once you have accepted Jesus as your personal savior, the Spirit of God (for reals) comes and resides in Your being. Henceforth, right off the bat, you are not alone. You can ALWAYS talk to God (and He understands you more than you understand yourself, trust).

#2 There is an estimated 7 billion people in the world, you mean to tell me that you are the only person who has ever thought this thought, done this action or felt this feeling? Highly not likely (ok let’s just say impossible really), so know that you are not alone on a large human-network scale.

#3 Everyone should (and if you don’t then feel free to reach out to me) have someone they can speak to, in a safe, nonjudgmental fashion. No, not everyone is going to agree, but that is where common respect comes in – sometimes people just need to be heard and not talked to.

So rebuke the lie, YOU ARE NOT ALONE regardless of WHAT you are going through (as this lie doesn’t just extend to behavioral fallings).  

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You for the truths You have given us and the wisdom You allow us to reach, in Your time on Your accord. May we not get caught up in past, current or future failings, but ever remembering that forgiveness is REAL and that we are NEVER alone. May we be not a stumbling-block for others, but lead, guide and uplift them towards/to You, for we wish no one to be forever “lost” and suffer damnation. Strengthen us dear Lord, as trying times are ahead of us all. In the name of Your son, Jesus Christ we pray ><>

SiC <3